Well, it's just a short one day stay for my visit to Kiso valley, as matsumoto is has more options in term of staying than other nearby small station near the valley.

I chose the mixed dorm and shared with another Japanese guy there for work. It's pleasant experience.
The hostel is quite cold, when they don't open the heater, so be mindful of that, but it's quite common for home stay to be like that. You might not enjoy the experience for shower and toilet, as it's quite cold. but for me, it's okay, as I am getting used to it, like I said, it's common.
Hostel is clean, the host has very good English, and she has to waited for me till 10pm for the check-in. She doesn't stay in the hostel. I am very grateful for that.
hostel is extremely close to the castle. so it's easier to visit.
Overall, it's pleasant experience. Try to experience the coldness in Japan while you choose to travel in Winter season, whether you like it or not, it's part of the deal, so try to enjoy it.

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Traveler impressions of Matsumoto

The main attraction is of course the castle, but all around the town along small streets, you can find shops selling all sorts of interesting things.

From paper dolls, souvenirs, to vintage items, food stuff. It's actually possible to walk around the town but of course an alternative is to rent a bicycle to travel in and out of small streets where the buses do not take you.

Hard to get to, Matsumoto is a nice reward after a long journey. I recommend the castle, as it's certainly unique amongst the many dotted over the Japanese scenery.

Be sure to bring some gloves, a jacket, and some thermals if here in winter. It gets icy cold. You're in a valley near the Japanese Alps, and the wind bites with a grip that won't let go.
If interested in soccer there is a popular team that resides here (Matsumoto Yamaga), but you'll need to give yourself at least 50mins if setting out for a game from the bus station at Matsumoto Station. Enjoy.

As a base, Masooto is great. Kamikocki is a great place at the foot of the a
Ps. You can walk along swift flowing streams, looking at the mt Hokato range towering above, or be ore adventurous and tackle some of the mountain trails.

There are campsites and lodges for seriou climbers, or just relaxing in a beautiful place.

Matsumoto was a gem of a city. Lots of quirky little shops with really good crafts. The castle is the best (and most original) in Japan and well worth a look.

The trip out to Kamikochi took quite a long time and was expensive (around $70) so it would be worth staying at a lodge in the actual park rather than doing a day trip - altho totally do-able from Matsumoto if you leave fairly early. Kamikochi was really superb and worth visiting. We did a 7 kms walk (all easy on well travelled paths).

Apart from the great Matsumoto castle, matsumoto is also close to many Nature attractions, and trekking tracks, such as Kamikochi, Shrahone onsen and Japan Alpine route, you can use Matsumoto as a base to arrange one day trip to explore those areas.

sukhajiradej,Thailand

Beautiful little city to look around and the surrounding areas are also wonderful. Free bikes are available in the citizen's center.

Discover the neighborhoods of Matsumoto

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More about Matsumoto

Matsumoto is located in the Nagano Prefecture and is most famous for having one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. It’s also an excellent base for those looking to explore the Japanese Alps. A local airport takes commercial flights, but much like most of Japan’s cities, Matsumoto is well-connected to the train line and can be reached from Tokyo in about three hours.

For travelers to this city, Matsumoto Castle is quite the centerpiece of attractions. At 400 years old, the castle has grabbed a rank as one of the top three in Japan. On-site is a museum providing exploration of the city’s history. Another fascinating museum worth checking out would be the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum – the largest museum of its kind in the world. Matsumoto offers more outside the city in the form of campsites and onsen. There is also the center of Japanese wasabi production to the east in the town of Hotaka. A hike to or from Misuzuko also makes for a great way to spend a day while taking in some beautiful landscapes.

Find the most suitable accommodation for you by clicking on our interactive map and exploring Matsumoto for hotels and must-see destinations.